"Pliable" by In Layers is a masterclass in experimental jazz improvisation, if your idea of a masterclass is being left in a room with abstract soundscapes and no clear instructions. This live recording from the Salão Brazil in Coimbra, captured on May 17th, 2018, is a testament to the quartet's relentless pursuit of musical exploration, leaving no note unturned and no genre boundary uncrossed.

The ensemble — Marcelo dos Reis on guitar, Luís Vicente on trumpet, Onno Govaert on drums, and Kristján Martinsson on piano—delivers a performance that oscillates between the gentle and the abrasive, much like a cat that can’t decide if it wants to be petted or attack your hand. The album's tracks — “Supple”, “Malleable”, “The Whippy”, “Elastic”, “Ductile”, and “Pliant” — are a playful nod to the band’s flexible approach.

Marcelo dos Reis continues to redefine what an acoustic guitar can do, ignoring traditional roles like harmony and soloing in favor of an arsenal of extended techniques. His contributions feel like the musical equivalent of abstract art: not always easy to interpret, but undeniably engaging. On “Elastic”, his slowly ascending guitar chords create a tension that is beautifully interspersed with the rumbling drums, driving the track towards a crescendo that is both unsettling and exhilarating.

Luís Vicente’s trumpet work is equally unconventional. His microtonal shifts and timbral changes produce sounds that range from melancholy moans to jubilant exclamations. In “Supple”, Vicente’s stretched phrases weave through the improvisation like a narrative thread, adding emotional depth to the abstract soundscape. His playing on “Ductile” is rhythmically repetitive, creating a hypnotic effect that draws you in despite its complexity.

Kristján Martinsson on piano and Onno Govaert on drums provide the backbone of this ensemble, yet calling them a rhythm section would be an oversimplification. Martinsson’s minimalistic runs on the keys in “The Whippy” create a playful interaction with the guitar and drums, generating a spontaneous dance of sound. Govaert, with his intense drumming, adds emphasis and subtle contrasts without ever overpowering the other instruments. His ability to provide both structure and freedom is a highlight of the album.

The live aspect of "Pliable" adds to its charm. The recording captures the raw energy of the performance, making you feel as if you’re right there in the audience, experiencing the music in real-time. The sound quality, thanks to Rafael Silva’s mixing and mastering, is superb, allowing each instrument to shine without overshadowing the others.

Comparisons with similar artists reveal the unique niche that In Layers occupies. While they share the exploratory spirit of groups like The Necks or the cerebral improvisation of artists such as Evan Parker, In Layers’ sound is distinctly their own. Their music is less about individual virtuosity and more about the collective creation of an evolving soundscape. If you appreciate music that challenges your expectations and offers something new with each listen, "Pliable" will not disappoint. Just be prepared to spend some time unraveling its many surprises — this is an album that keeps on giving, listen after listen.